Imagine yourself peacefully paddling on the water, admiring the wild beauty of Chile. Suddenly, a huge shadow emerges beneath your kayak… In an instant, a gaping mouth swallows you whole. This is neither a nightmare nor a movie scene: it’s the reality experienced by Adrián Simancas, a kayaker who narrowly escaped death after being swallowed by a humpback whale. And what happened next is even more incredible!
A Sea Trip That Turns into a Nightmare
On February 8, 2025, Adrián Simancas and his father were paddling quietly off the Chilean coast. Passionate about the ocean, they had no idea they were about to have an extraordinary experience.
Then, everything changes.
A massive humpback whale suddenly emerges from the depths, mouth wide open. In an instant, Adrián disappears beneath the waters… and finds himself literally inside the animal! His father, powerless, watches the scene and continues filming.
“I Thought I Was Dead”: A Chilling Testimony
Miraculously, after a few seconds of absolute terror, the whale spits Adrián out. In shock, he floats for a moment in the icy water before his father retrieves him.
“I thought I was dead. I was completely disoriented, I didn’t even understand what had just happened,” recounts the kayaker, still in shock. “I panicked when I realized that I could do nothing. I was totally powerless.”
Adrián and his father eventually returned to the shore, unharmed but shaken. “It feels like these stories only happen in fairy tales or the Bible… and yet, it’s very real.”
Why Did This Whale Swallow the Kayaker?
Unlike sharks, whales are not dangerous predators to humans. But then, how can a human end up in the mouth of a whale?
Here’s the scientific explanation:
✅ Mass Feeding: Humpback whales practice a technique called “lunge feeding,” where they open their mouths to gulp tons of water and fish in a single swoop.
✅ A Misfortunate Coincidence: Adrián found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, right in the path of the whale while it was hunting.
✅ No Intention to Attack: Contrary to legends, whales do not swallow humans. Once it realized its mistake, it immediately released him.
This type of accident is extremely rare, but it is not unique. In 2019, a South African diver had a similar experience before being spat out a few seconds later.
How to Avoid This Kind of Encounter?
If you’re a kayaking or diving enthusiast, here are a few essential rules to avoid a (too) close encounter with a whale:
🔹 Keep Your Distance: Observe whales from at least 100 meters away, and even further when they are feeding.
🔹 Avoid Hunting Areas: Whales are more unpredictable when they are feeding.
🔹 Don’t Make Unnecessary Noise: Avoid disturbing cetaceans with splashes or shouts that might surprise them.
🔹 Be Attentive to Signs: Bubbles, sudden movements underwater, or sudden surfacing are indications that a whale is approaching.
A Story Worthy of the Bible and Pinocchio!
It’s impossible not to think of the famous story of Jonah, swallowed by a whale and spit out three days later. This biblical tale, also present in the Torah and the Quran, takes on a very real resonance today with Adrián Simancas.
Another must-reference: Pinocchio, swallowed by a gigantic sperm whale in the Disney adaptation. Thus, sometimes fiction meets reality!
Watch the Video of This Incredible Scene! 🎥
📹 A whale swallows a kayaker before spit him out! V
And You, How Would You React?
If you found yourself face to face with a giant whale, what would you do? Would you be in total panic or would you try to stay calm? 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments!
📢 Feel free to share this article with your friends, it’s a breathtaking story! 🔥
Julie Lambert – Travel & News Blogger
Passionate about discoveries and current events, I share my adventures around the world along with insights on key societal issues. From travel stories to news analysis, join me in exploring and understanding the world!
